Raised by grandparents and an aunt in Durham, Pauli Murray was a civil rights pioneer, leading the first organized sit-in at a Washington, D.C., cafeteria in 1944, and being arrested in Virginia in 1940 for refusing to sit in the back of the bus. Blackburn profiles the life of this woman who was a civil rights lawyer, college professor, college vice president, and Deputy Attorney General of California.

For individuals looking for new places to explore or old favorites to revisit in North Carolina, Ellis describes day trips and perfect weekends. The author divides the 52 weeks into the four seasons. Among the places and events he recommends are Beaufort, the North Carolina Pickle Festival in Mt. Olive, the Union Grove Fiddlers Contest, the state aquariums, the state's lighthouses, and Stone Mountain State Park.

Abrams discusses the life and work of Hampstead artist, Don Millar. Millar is known for his charcoal drawings which depict scenes of nocturnal beauty, including the USS North Carolina, Ocracoke Lighthouse, and ships at sea.

Saluda, which was settled in 1878 and grew up along the path of the Asheville and Spartanburg railroad line, is OUR STATE magazine's featured Tar Heel town of the month. Comer discusses the history of this town of 581 persons and its preservation efforts.

William Sherley \"Bill\" Williams, born in Tryon in 1787, was one of the West's most colorful characters. A consummate mountain man, he was a friend of Kit Carson, Jim Bridgers, and Jeremiah Johnson. He was also a preacher, trapper, guide, and scout. He was killed in a fight with Ute Indians.

The North Carolina Award is the state's highest civilian honor. O'Mara discusses this year's seven award winners. The awards were first presented in 1964, and since that time, over 150 people have been honored in fields including science, fine arts, public service, and literature.